´Narrated 'Ikrimah:` "After Salat As-Subh, it was said to Ibn 'Abbas that so-and-so - one of the wives of the Prophet (ﷺ) - has died, so he prostrated. So it was said to him: 'Do you prostrate at this hour?' So he said: 'Has not the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) [already] said: 'If you see a sign then prostrate?' Then which sign is grater than the passing of (one of) the wives of the Prophet (ﷺ)?'"
Hadith Referenceسنن ترمذي / كتاب المناقب عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم / 3891
Hadith Gradingالألبانی:حسن، صحيح أبي داود (1081) ، المشكاة (1491)
1؎ : In this hadith, or in other hadiths in similar contexts, the word «آیۃ» is used in the sense of a dreadful punishment or a heavenly calamity, etc., by which the purpose is to instill fear in the servants. Thus, the noble wives (azwaj-e-mutahharat) were a means of blessing in this world; with their departure, the blessing is removed, and this is a fearful matter.
Explanation & Benefits
Shaykh Dr. Abdur Rahman Freywai
Explanation: 1: In this hadith, or in other ahadith in similar contexts, the word "ayah" is used in the sense of a dreadful punishment or a calamity from the heavens, the purpose of which is to instill fear in the servants (of Allah). Thus, the noble wives (azwaj mutahharat) were a source of blessing in this world, and with their departure, the blessing is removed, and this is a matter that is fearful.
Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhi – Majlis ‘Ilmi Dar al-Da‘wah, New Delhi Edition, Page: 3891
Ikrimah said: Ibn Abbas was informed that so-and-so, a certain wife of the Prophet ﷺ, had died. He fell down prostrating himself. He was questioned: Why do you prostrate yourself this moment? He said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: When you see a portent (an accident), prostrate yourselves. And which portent (accident) can be greater than the death of a wife of the Prophet ﷺ.
Shaykh Umar Farooq Saeedi
1197. Commentary: The loss of righteous and pious individuals from a household or society is a great calamity, yet few people are aware of this. In any case, it is obligatory that in every circumstance one should turn towards Allah, the Mighty and Majestic.
Source: Sunan Abu Dawood – Commentary by Shaykh Umar Farooq Saeedi, Page: 1197